Fibro What?

Dear Editor,

Imagine waking up feeling as if you have the worst case of the flu. You hurt from head to toe, inside and out; even your skin hurts. Your body feels like it is weighted down with concrete blocks. Imagine feeling that way day in and day out with no relief. Well, that is a small glimpse into the world of Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder which affects over six million Americans and countless others worldwide. It affects men, women and children and knows no boundaries related to economic, social or racial status. It is not referred to as a disease, because a definitive cause has yet to be determined. I’m confident that it will be classified as a disease someday, which will allow for more effective treatment options. There are many theories being researched. One of the latest theories is that it is a central nervous system malfunction.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by wide-spread chronic muscle pain and stiffness, overwhelming fatigue, cognitive issues, a heightened sensitivity to sounds, smells and touch, chest pain, shortness of breath, as well as a myriad of other symptoms. I call FM the “great mimic” because it mimics other diseases such as Lupus, MS, Lyme and heart disease, just to name a few. FM is difficult to diagnose and treat, because it shares so many symptoms related to other conditions. It is disabling, humiliating, humbling.

Even though it is life-altering, Fibromyalgia can be managed. You can feel better. Take charge of your health. Believe that you can get better. Pray. Make lifestyle changes. Begin exploring new ways of treatment until you find a symptom management plan that works for you. In addition to traditional medicine, alternative treatments such as acupuncture, bio-feedback and massage therapy have been effective as well. Remember that getting better is a process. Most importantly, don’t ever give up!

May 12th is National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day! If you have or know someone who has this life-altering illness, please make a commitment to learn more about Fibromyalgia! It is not a wastebasket diagnosis. It’s real. It exists.

The Owen County FM Support Group meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at the Owen County Art Guild. For more information, contact Brenda Kadic Nardi at 812-585-0472.